Liverpool tell buyers to put money where mouths are

Liverpool yesterday sent a clear message to all potential buyers of the club: Show us the money.

So far, four different parties have expressed varying degrees of interest in bidding to take control of the English club from reviled American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

As yet though, none have tabled an official offer, and last night, the Reds board made clear to all prospective news owners that they need not bother unless they can clearly illustrate they have massive financial backing.

Chairman Martin Broughton and his team selected to deal with all takeover inquiries have asked to see a detailed, binding, transparent bid document that shows exactly where funds are coming from and what they will be used for.

The Liverpool board have also stated that their minimum requirement of any bidder is that they - again in a binding contract - agree to clear all debt from the club, and fund the build of a new stadium.

Chinese businessman Jian-hua 'Kenny' Huang has now made formal contact with Broughton to issue an expression of interest in investing in Liverpool.

American private equity firm The Rhone Group have also maintained a long standing interest, but have made clear their investment would be for a stake in the club, along with other parties.

Two other prospective buyers are still on the scene, though one has yet to reveal their hand, and the other is still treated with a degree of scepticism by the Anfield board.

The super-rich Al Kharafi family from Kuwait had seemed close to buying Liverpool only a few months ago, but inexplicably withdrew without explanation.

There has been renewed contact in recent days through a third party, but so far no strong expression of interest, and unless that comes within the next 10 days they will be discounted.

A combined Syrian-Canadian bid, fronted by Canada-based Yahya Kirdi and backed by Montreal group Gameday LMC and, apparently, Syrian businessman Rami Makhiouf has been in talks with Gillett, but so far has not made the necessary approach to Broughton.

Yesterday, a source close to Broughton made clear that Hicks and Gillett are powerless to block any bid being accepted by the five-man board, if the chairman, Managing Director Christian Purslow, and Commerical Director Ian Ayre vote in favour.

The move yesterday to seek clarity from all interested parties is designed to put an end to the posturing from all sides, and concentrate focus of realistic bids.

But it is clear there is still some way to go before the long-running saga finally draws to a close, with no chance of a deal before the season gets underway.

Indeed, there is little chance of a final resolution before the end of the contract window, because Broughton will have to decide on a preferred bidder, and then enter detailed talks with that bid, only after funds finance has been shown to be in place.

Club bosses are convinced all parties are merely waiting for the others to show their hand, and as soon as one becomes official, it will spark a series of offers.

Yesterday, Huang distanced himself from suggestions that he is backed directly by the Chinese Government, but it is understood he in fact represents a group of businessman from that country who have worked closely with the state in securing Chinese investment across the globe.